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10. I would here remark that it may be argued that I am assuming that all the water that falls from the clouds is at once discharged into the water courses, and that I am allowing nothing for absorption. To this I submit that in the case of a heavy rainfall, occurring on such steep slopes as those which form the back-ground of the City, at a time when the soil has been saturated by previous heavy rains, a careful observer will, I think, be convinced that, practically speaking, all the water that falls is discharged forthwith into the sea.
11. To return to the records of rainfall in other places, the greatest fall in 24 hours I can find registered is 20.58 inches at Madras on 21st of October, 1846. The maximum at Kowloon was 27.44 inches, or about one-third greater.*
12. I may conclude my observations on rainfall by adding, that although the records of Hong- kong appear to be exceptional, as regards the rain which fell in a single hour, and during periods of four hours, and of 24 hours, the recorded monthly and annual rainfall of this Colony sink into insignificance compared with those of some other parts of the world. If we take the returns for Hong- kong of the past six years we find that the maximum monthly rainfall is 48 inches, and the maximum annual fall is 109 inches, while at Cherrapungi in Assam, at 4,160 feet above sea level, 243 inches have been guaged in a single month (June, 1860) and during the same year 615 inches of rain fell. The monthly and annual rainfall at Cherrapungi is therefore more than five times greater than Hongkong,
13. I have been unconsciously led into considerable length on the question of rainfall, owing to the interesting nature of the enquiry, and the phenomenal character of the late storm. The subject is not without a practical application, for as the storm was exceptional in its nature, so also was the injury that resulted to public and private property; and it is noteworthy that the periods when the greatest damage occurred coincided precisely with the hours of maximum rainfall, i.e. from 10 A.M. to Noon of the 29th and from 3 to 6 A.M. of the 30th. No doubt exaggerated estimates were made at the time of the loss incurred, but this was not surprising; as the ruin wrought by the uncontrollable power of this rush of water was evident on every side, and was on a scale, and of a nature, to impress the imagination. I now propose to describe generally the effects of the storm and (as furnishing fuller details on some points) I forward herewith reports by Mr. COOPER (Appendices C and D)† dated 23rd and 26th June on the damage sustained by the Tytam Water-works, and by roads outside the limits of the City, and a report by Lieut.-Colonel CHAMPERNOWNE, R.E. on the streets of the City. (Appendix E)†
14. I have already referred in general terms to the damage done by the heavy rainfall during the forenoon of Wednesday, May 29th. Serious as this was, it sank into insignificance compared with the devastation wrought by the down-pour of the night and early morning of the 30th. As might be expected, communications were temporarily interrupted by road and telegraph with some of the out- stations, and it took some days before even an approximate estimate could be formed of the condition of things. I will now endeavour to convey, as briefly as possible, a clear idea of the injuries sustained, and the remedial measures adopted.
15. On the morning of Thursday, 30th of May, I consulted with Mr. COOPER (who had acted as Surveyor General during the unavoidable interval which elapsed between the departure of my prede- cessor and my arrival). I should here explain incidentally that (as His Excellency is aware) the Engineering Staff of the Department was at the time owing to various circumstances, exceptionally weak, and in fact consisted of Mr. COOPER and myself, the two Assistant Engineers being away on leave. As the water supply from Tytam was cut off, and that from Pokfulum seriously threatened by land slips, there appeared imminent danger of the temporary interruption of the water supply to the City. It was therefore arranged that Mr. COOPER (who was best qualified from his practical acquaint- ance with the localities and details) should, under my direction, look after the water supply, while I undertook to do the best I could with the streets, roads, drains, &c.
16. Acting on the best advice available I proposed to place the Land Surveyor (Mr. SAMPSON) in charge of the work for clearing the streets of debris. After going over the City with him from east to west on 31st May and 1st.June, and giving him full instructions, I received, on the eve of the second day, the first intimation that it was his intention to resign his appointinent. Mr. BOWDLER for many years Assistant Surveyor General, but who was prior to my arrival appointed Engineer of the Praya Reclamation, kindly offered his services, but it was deemed inexpedient, except there was an absolute necessity, to take him from the very important work on which he was at the time engaged. Under these circumstances arrangements were made with His Excellency the Major-General Com- manding, that the services of Lieut.-Colonel CHAMPERNOWNE, R. E., should be placed, temporarily, at the disposal of the Public Works' Department. This relieved me of a great difficulty, and admitted of an efficient organization of the work needed to repair the damage sustained. I may I trust be per- mitted to express my personal obligation to General EDWARDS, Colonel STORER, C.R.E., and Lieut.- Colonel CHAMPERNOWNE for the readiness that was shewn to assist the Government, and this Depart- ment, in an exceptional emergency.
* Sec note 4 at end of report.
* Not printed.